Barley MacTavish helps resident with rent

Midland Daily News

Published
7:44 am EST, Saturday, January 12, 2019

EDITOR'S NOTE - The Barley MacTavish Fund accepts letters from Midland county residents about themselves or other people, explaining why they need help and what they have tried to do about their problems. Write to Barley, care of the Midland Area Community Foundation, 76 Ashman Circle, Midland, MI 48640 or call (989) 839-9661. Be sure to include a daytime telephone number.

There is no real Barley MacTavish. This fund was established by an anonymous donor and is being continued with private financial support, plus donations from area residents during the holiday season. The project has been undertaken to help make Midland a little better place to live.

Dear Barley,

I am a grandma and am trying to help my daughter and her daughter who is six years old. They had been living with her boyfriend who is not the father of my grandchild. Things got really bad for them and my daughter finally had the courage to leave him. They then moved in with me.

My daughter works part time at a senior citizen's home and I work part time cleaning houses. I was able to take care of my needs and pay all my bills until they moved in with me. I would never ask them to leave, but I am stretched beyond my meager means. I can take care of all of the bills with the exception of rent. My landlord has given me an extension. He has been very understanding about our situation, especially about my daughter escaping domestic violence.

Both of us are looking for more steady work and we hope that the father of my granddaughter will start paying child payments. Could you please help out with my rent this month? I don't want to take advantage of my landlord. He needs the money as well. Thank you so much.

Dear Friend,

You must feel so relieved that your daughter and granddaughter are no longer living with that boyfriend. Of course, as a mother and grandmother you would welcome them with open arms. They are so fortunate to have you in their lives. Please know that I am thrilled to send a check to your landlord for your rent. Best wishes to all of you.